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Special master fines MSB Homestead $500 over storm‑drain debris; business license violation also fined
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Summary
The Homestead special‑master hearing found MSB Homestead Inc. in violation for illicit discharge into a storm drain and for operating outside its business tax receipt. Public Works said crews cleaned the blocked drain six to seven times this year; the special master assessed two $500 fines and $80 administrative fees.
The special master hearing in Homestead on Oct. 23, 2025, found MSB Homestead Inc. in violation for illicit discharge into a storm drain and for operating outside the scope of its approved business tax receipt, imposing fines and administrative fees.
The city’s code officer presented photographs and testimony alleging that material and debris from the MSB property had repeatedly entered the public storm system, citing code section 22‑65 for illicit discharge. Tracy Moore of Homestead Public Works (Stormwater) testified that crews had cleaned the affected drain "approximately 6 times within this calendar year" because it consistently clogged after rain events, and that work orders show significant debris removed from the basin on repeated visits. "On average, we may go in an area to clean twice during fall… but this is one of the locations that every time it rains… we've been there approximately 6 or 7 times this year already," Moore said.
MSB representatives disputed the city’s claim that the junkyard was the sole source of the debris. Melan Filipovic, identified in the hearing as a property owner, and Christine Rodriguez, who said she represents the Filipovic family, told the magistrate the site was used for transient deliveries and that the adjacent right‑of‑way, neighboring properties and local road elevation also contribute to drainage problems. Rodriguez said the company uses absorbent granules for small oil leaks, places used material in 55‑gallon drums for hazardous waste pickup and hoped to coordinate with city staff. "We do have our rapid response… We can throw kitty litter down if there's any kind of… issue with any of the cars," Rodriguez said, describing on‑site mitigation procedures.
The special master noted the city’s record of repeated cleanings and characterized the conduct as "irreparable in nature" because public works resources had been required multiple times to clear the drain. After hearing the testimony and reviewing evidence, the special master found a violation and ordered a one‑time $500 fine plus an $80 administration fee for the illicit‑discharge case (CC2500202). On the separate charge alleging operation outside the approved business tax receipt (CE25080306), the special master again imposed a $500 fine and $80 administrative fee.
City staff recommended adjudication citing repeated incidents and the presence of vehicles and equipment on the public right‑of‑way in submitted photos. MSB asked for time to collaborate with public works, zoning and code staff and said it would alter operations (deliver inside the fenced area or seek a special permit) if required.
The rulings close both cases with monetary fines; the special master advised the owners they could meet with public works and zoning staff after the hearing to discuss infrastructural fixes or permits.
